Introducing Emmanuel's Clergy and Staff

Four pictures of Emmanuel places and people

About Emmanuel

Meet the Rector and Staff

The Reverend Robert Salamone, Rector

Father Robert began his ordained life as a Franciscan in the Roman Catholic church, leaving that tradition in 1996 for reasons of conscience. He served as Assistant Rector at St. James Episcopal Church in Hendersonville, NC from 1999 to 2006. Father Robert was called to be Emmanuel’s Rector and began his ministry here in April of 2006.

Associate Rector

Melissa Fulcher, Parish Administrator

My name is Melissa Fulcher. I love my work here at Emmanuel as Parish Administrator. I have been married to a great guy, Ricky, for 25 years. We have two children. We built a new home in Oconee County on five acres of land, and we are enjoying the countryside. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my grandson, Tristan, who is the joy of my life.

Karen Holland, Director of Finance

My name is Karen Holland. I perform all the bookkeeping functions for Emmanuel Church along with helping out with projects for the staff and church members. I am married to a wonderful man, Greg, with a stepson, Keith. I have a son, Joshua, who, because of a car accident, is now quadriplegic. I am blessed to have both my parents and my grandfather (93yrs old) living here in Athens. Their love and support keep me strong through the difficult times. When time permits, I enjoy gardening and playing with the dog.

Amy Wraga, Director of the Emmanuel Episcopal Day School

Amy has been directing the day school since the fall of 2002. She holds a bachelors degree from Rutgers College in New Jersey and holds a Child Development Specialist certificate. In 2005 she was one of the first in Georgia to complete the Early Childhood Program Administration program at Flint River Technical College. She has recently become certified to teach early childhood continuing education classes. Amy has been an active volunteer in the PTO for over 10 years, holding many offices including President. She has taught parenting classes at two Mother's Centers and women's support groups at her church.

Amy lives in Oconee County with her two sons and her husband Bill, a UGA professor in the College of Education.

Joe Napoli, Director of Music

Joe Napoli taught music in the public schools in Tampa, Florida for fourteen years before moving to Athens in 1984. He founded and conducts the Athens Master Chorale, an auditioned community group of fifty singers. He holds music degrees from Florida State University (B. M. Ed.) and the University of South Florida (M. M. Choral Conducting). In the community, Joe is a past chairman of the Georgia Green Industry Association and is currently on the Classic Center Authority. Joe is a long-time member of Emmanuel Parish.

Sam Polk, Organist

Mississippi native Sam Polk began playing the piano for church at age eleven. His fascination with the organ led to organ lessons as early as the seventh grade. Attending the University of Southern Mississippi he earned the Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance and church music studying under Dr. Paul D. Andersen. During undergraduate school he was active as a choral and vocal studio accompanist in addition to winning the Collegiate Artist Award in Organ from the Mississippi Music Teachers Association. While under full scholarship he completed coursework for the Master of Music degree in organ performance at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Dr. Roberta Gary.

Mr. Polk has served churches in Mississippi, Ohio and Georgia and began his tenure as organist for Emmanuel Episcopal Church in January 2008. He is also employed by A. E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Sales and Service in Lithonia, Georgia.

, Director of Faith Formation

Jackie Anderson, Coordinator of the Catechesis of the Good Sheperd

I have been married to Paul Anderson for 20 years. We have four children-Stephen(17), Eric(14), Karyn(12) and Miller(5). We have been attending Emmanuel since 1992. Eric, Karyn and Miller were baptized at this church. I have been teaching Sunday school for 10 years and have been involved with VBS for those same 10 years. I have been odirector or director of VBS for at least four years. I have taught at Emmanuel Day School for 5 years.I am taking classes once a month with Peg Wood and Ellen Dolphus. We are being trained as catechists so we can begin Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for the younger children of Emmanuel. I love Emmanuel and I want to see the programs for the children and for the youth grow and become stronger.

Denise Thomas, Sexton

Denise is the mother of three children. She lives presently in Comer. Denise is originally from the Winder-Athens area. She likes to play the piano and sing gospel songs.